3 idyllic Exmoor locations for a quintessential visit
If there’s a day when you don’t fancy heading down to one of the array of award-winning beaches we have here in North Devon, and you want to experience what the chocolate-box villages and small towns in and around Exmoor has to offer, then we can help. We have picked out 3 of our favourite, most idyllic locations that are simply adorable. These villages and towns have so much to offer, from sweet cafés, to perfect views, traditional shops, and spectacular walks. And the best bit is that they aren't far from our Exmoor holiday cottage accommodation! Here is some information on the villages and small towns we adore the most, see which ones you fancy visiting. Dunster Dunster is a medieval village, and arguably one of the best preserved in the UK. You will instantly observe the village’s popular, fairytale-esque castle, which is owned by the Na-tional Trust. Close by is the Dunster Working Watermill, most certainly well worth a visit. West Street is a fantastically unspoilt and picturesque street where small houses lie, among shops and hotels. Hop on the train at Dunster Station, just a mile away on the West Somerset Railway, offering visitors the opportunity to go back in time to when everything was at this leisurely, relaxing pace. If there are walking lovers among you, there are some superb walks over Grabbist Hill, up to Bats Castle, or, alternatively you can go through the castle deer park. There’s every possibility that you will be able to peruse Dunster and what it has to offer without having to use your car. Don’t miss…. • Dunster Castle • St Georges Priory church • The Dovecot • Gallox Bridge • Dunster Working Watermill • The Yarn Market Dulverton You’ll find Dulverton to the south of Exmoor. This delightful town is located on the river Barle. In Dulverton you can find Exmoor House, the headquarters of the Exmoor Nation-al Park Authority, a proud part of the town’s makeup. Tarr Steps is a particular favourite among locals and visitors alike. The location and all that surrounds it is utterly divine. If you fancy doing some holiday shopping away from major stores selling clothes, shoes and the like, then Dulverton has some great places for you. There’s a wonderful selection of many lovely, independent shops for you to visit. Not to mention the award winning restaurants and pubs, tea rooms and attractions that are always a favourite with visitors - a small slice of tranquillity, you could say. Don’t miss…. • Dulverton Guildhall • Tarr Steps • Marsh Bridge • Dulverton church and bridge Lynton and Lynmouth The twin towns of Lynton and Lynmouth can be found situated right in the centre of the rugged Exmoor coastline, where the East and West Lyn rivers merge at Lynmouth and cross the pebbled beach to meet the sea. When you visit Lynton and Lynmouth there’s one thing you simply must not avoid experiencing, and that is the cliff funicular railway. The amazing views over the bay will leave you never wanting to depart, and with Lynton’s unspoilt village appeal, lovely independent shops, remarkable town hall, and welcoming residents, you’re sure to have a trip you won’t forget. Just down the road from the town centre is the unusual Valley of Rocks where you can also sit down for a lovely local cream tea. Don’t miss…. • Cliff Railway • Coleridge Way and South West Coast Path • Watersmeet • Valley of Rocks • Rhenish Tower • Lyn and Exmoor Museum Image: Sarunas Mikalauskas under Creative Commons.
